Last Saturday I rolled out of a warm comfy bed to do something I’ve never done before, run 13.1 miles voluntarily. My previous blog, Will Run For Food, set the stage for how I was going to achieve my aggressive New Years resolution of running in the Nashville Music City Marathon with my older sister (middle one in the photo). Now I can write to you a blog of success and encouragement.

I’m not going to tell you I was a model trainee on how to prepare for this lengthier run. Since I couldn't run a mile in December, I started with the Couch to 5K running plans and worked from there. I will say with sincerity if I can do it you can do it, and so can 30,000 plus people that ran or walked.

My pre-race preparation consisted of the classic pasta plate. I would advise to keep it light. A vegetarian or chicken recipe will do the trick. I went with the meaty sauce and noodles and I will say that might not have been the best choice. The morning of I kept it simple with an orange, half of an English muffin, and water. My post race cool down consisted of a warm Schlotzsky's sandwich, a chilled brewski, and an extremely cold pool. Fantastic!

I probably could have done a few things differently, but I had a blast running my first half marathon. The country music set a great tempo for running and the amount of people lining the streets cheering was unbelievable.

COMMENTS

Abbi Masters

Virginia, that is awesome! Congrats! You are my new running inspiration. I just realized (after years of telling myself otherwise in attempt to keep up my couch potato rep) that I really love to run outside. Maybe I’ll run your next one with you.

April 29, 2009 at 1:52 pm

Ashley

My (running) hero! That’s amazing, Virginia! Let us know when you sign up for the Iron Man.

April 29, 2009 at 1:56 pm

Kristin

sweet matching under armour shirts, virg and AE. they really scream “SISTERS!!!!!”
congrats on the run. it’s a good one.

April 29, 2009 at 2:49 pm

Virginia Switzer

The funny thing is we didn’t plan that! Great minds do think alike.

April 29, 2009 at 9:27 pm

AER

love this!! congrats on the run WOW 13.1 miles is amazing

April 30, 2009 at 11:31 am

Erin

Virginia, I just ran my first half marathon too! Will run for food: I like it. Good job!